Georgia lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would expand the state’s restrictions on student cell phone use, potentially banning personal devices in high schools statewide.

The proposal, House Bill 1009, was introduced Friday by Republican State Representative Scott Hilton of Peachtree Corners. Hilton also sponsored last year’s law that bans personal device use in elementary and middle schools, and he says strong feedback from teachers, administrators, and parents is why he wants to take the policy into high schools.

If approved, the high school ban would be bell-to-bell, meaning students would not be allowed to use personal devices during the school day. That includes cell phones, along with items like tablets, smartwatches, e-readers, and headphones.

The bill includes exceptions for students who need devices under an Individualized Education Program, a Section 504 plan, or another medical plan. Under the proposal, local school systems would have flexibility in how they enforce the ban and how it applies to things like off-campus activities, extracurricular events, and career-related programs. Hilton says schools could also use available school safety funding to purchase phone pouches or other storage options.

If House Bill 1009 passes and is signed into law, it would take effect for the 2027–2028 school year.